Huano Acacia vs. Outemu Lotus

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Lotus both present appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts, each with its unique characteristics. The Huano Acacia stands out with its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing an excellent typing experience that feels smooth and satisfying from the moment you use it. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize comfort and a ready-to-go feel. On the other hand, while specific details about the Outemu Lotus may be less highlighted, it still offers the linear switch experience that many users seek, often appealing to those who prefer a customizable and potentially budget-friendly option. While both switches cater to linear switch lovers, their distinct features lead to different typing experiences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.39 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Lotus switches present notable contrasts, particularly in their top housing composition. The Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic derives from polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance, creating a sound that is bright and well-defined. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus features a nylon top housing, a classic choice that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This inherent softness allows the nylon to absorb vibrations more effectively, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded compared to that of the Acacia.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Acacia and the Lotus switch to nylon material. This commonality between the two switches leads to similar acoustic outcomes in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing, characteristic of both switches, produces that distinct deeper and fuller sound sensation upon key press. Its sound-dampening qualities contribute to a perception of warmth in the auditory feedback, making the typing experience uniformly rich, irrespective of the differences found in the top housings. Therefore, while there are contrasts in the top housing materials, the similarities in the bottom housing enable both switches to deliver a gratifying typing sound.

The impact of the two housing types manifests differently during use. With the Acacia's polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a brighter note when they release the key, while the nylon bottom housing ensures that the noise when bottoming out remains lush and full-bodied. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon top housing will enhance the deeper tonal qualities during key release, maintaining a consistent sound profile. This combination results in an overall experience that balances the attributes of the two materials. Ultimately, the distinct tonal characteristics brought forth by each type of top housing serve to provide diverse auditory experiences while the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees a foundational sound that is deep and resonant in both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia requires an actuation force of 45 grams and bottoms out at 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in terms of weight. In contrast, the Lotus has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that for those who prefer a lighter keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Lotus may be more appealing, as it offers less resistance at both actuation and bottom out compared to the Acacia. On the other hand, individuals who favor a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the increased resistance of the Acacia switch. Overall, while both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, the Lotus stands out as the lighter choice, whereas the Acacia offers a more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, we find that the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lotus measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference means that if you opt for the Outemu Lotus, you may experience a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gaming. Conversely, the Huano Acacia's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your preference for either the firmer depth of the Acacia or the snappier action of the Lotus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Huano Acacia linear switch, it is known for producing a relatively quiet and smooth acoustics, making it suitable for both office environments and home use without disturbing those nearby. This subtle auditory feedback enhances the typing experience while also maintaining a level of discretion. Conversely, the Outemu Lotus linear switch has no notable sound characteristics that stand out, leading to an expectation of a similarly quiet sound, but specific assessments remain unknown. It's important to remember that the overall sound produced by mechanical switches can be influenced by several factors, including the choice of keyboard build and keycap materials, so you may not notice significant differences in sound when they are set up similarly.

Regarding feel, the Huano Acacia boasts a smooth and balanced typing experience due to its medium-light weight combined with generous factory lubrication, which results in a silky actuation without any harsh feedback. This characteristic allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, appealing to users who prefer a gentle resistance during key presses. The Outemu Lotus lacks specified information regarding its feel, but without distinct qualities mentioned, it is reasonable to anticipate that it may offer a similar smooth typing experience since both switches are linear in nature.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and the Outemu Lotus linear switches aim to deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with the Acacia providing additional insights into its sound and feel. The Acacia switch’s advantages in lubrication and medium-light weighting suggest a premium typing experience straight out of the box. While specifics for the Lotus are unclear, you can expect comparable results in sound and feel if both switches are used under similar conditions. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch aligns best with individual typing habits.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Acacia and Outemu Lotus linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize in a typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light feel with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, and you appreciate a smooth and well-lubricated switch that significantly reduces stem wobble, then the Acacia is the better option for you. Its excellent typing feel and sound quality make it ideal for those who want a reliable and enjoyable experience right out of the box, whether you're typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 50 grams and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, then the Outemu Lotus may be the right choice. While the Lotus may not have the same level of factory lubrication or build quality as the Acacia, it can still serve you well if you’re after a lighter switch and are open to a more customizable experience. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the importance of factory lubrication, and how much weight you want in a switch to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more